How Are Head Lice Spread?
WouterIn order to control the spread of head lice, prevention is the key. To start, avoid head-to-head contact with an infested person and don’t share towels, combs, or clothes with them. Also, wash and dry clothing and bed linens thoroughly. Don’t use fumigant sprays or insecticide fogs. These are toxic and can be absorbed into the skin.
If you suspect that your home is infested with head lice, it’s very important to clean everything thoroughly. Wash bedding and clothing in hot water to kill the lice. You can also freeze exposed articles of clothing for up to a week to prevent reinfestation. However, don’t use insecticide sprays or fogs on furniture, which will only make the situation worse.
The life span of a head louse is between six and fifteen hours without a blood meal. Therefore, it’s important to keep combs and brushes away from infested people and wash them thoroughly after using them on infected individuals. You should also disinfect the area around the infested person by immersing them in hot water, rubbing alcohol, or Lysol. You should also vacuum and clean the floor for at least an hour.
While head lice aren’t harmful to people, they can be bothersome and annoying. Fortunately, most infestations are treatable with over-the-counter medicine. And, you can prevent infestation from happening in the future by practicing good hygiene, washing hair and accessories after infestations, and avoiding sharing hair accessories.
